Support Groups
ASI Chapter Support Groups are listed in red.
Addison
Addison
Northeast DuPage Group-NEDSRA
Contact: Jeena Greenwalt at (630)620-4500x132 or via email at jgreenwalt@nedsra.org
Aurora
Kane County Autism Information & Support Group
Aurora East Child Service Center
231 E Indian Trail, Aurora, Illinois
Contact: Rhonda Crowder or Karen Lolito at 630-443-8085 or via email at kanecountyautism@hotmail.com
Meetings are the third Tuesday of the month from 1-2:15.
Bartonville
Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group (SEAPCO)
6000 S Adams, Bartonville, Illinois
Contact: Lisa Bowe at 309-686-7065 or via email at lbowe63@yahoo.com
Lending Library, support group at the Easter Seals UCP in Peoria with childcare provided.
Bloomingdale
SPEAK-Support Parents and Empower Asperger's/Autistic Kids
Contact: Christy Woosley at 630-980-9264 or via email at cwoosley@sbcglobal.net
Meets at St Paul Church, 118 First Street, Bloomingdale, Illinois.
Support group for parents of children with Asperger’s, PDD, ASD, ADD, ADHD. Meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 pm on the last Wednesday of each month.
Champaign
C-U Autism Network for Parents and Professionals
Contact: Sheila Krein at 217-621-8429 or via email at info@cuautismnetwork.org or visit www.cuautismnetwork.org
Chanooka
Chanooka Autism Meetup Group
For more information visit www.autism.meetup.com/359/
Meet other families in the Grundy and Will County area with autism to talk and share strategies and more.
Charleston
East Central Illinois Autism Support Group
689 Castle Drive, Charleston, Illinois
Contact: Alicia Hart at 217-348-3869 ext 14 or via email at Alicia.hart@mchsi.com
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 pm.
Chicago
SibShops
Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Development Center, 3040 N Wilton, Chicago, Illinois
Peer support, educational and recreational programs for siblings who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic condition.
Contact: 773-296-8127 for more information and upcoming dates.
Chicago
ASA Metropolitan Chicago Chapter Support Group
Contact; Grace Dyson at 773-233-4210
Chicago
Chicago Southside Chapter Support Group
Contact: Miriam McCann at 773-726-2550 or via email at miriammccann@comcast.net.
Website: www.chicagoautism.org
Chicago
Adults with Asperger's in the SW Suburbs
Contact: Jamie Specht at flywithme@butterflight.net
Support group for adults on the autism spectrum (no official diagnosis necessary). Please email for more information and location.
Chicago
Autism Group
Location: 4046 N Leavitt, Chicago, Illinois.
Contact: Lily at 773-310-3809 or via email at lmontoya@att-law.com
Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month.
Chicago
Adult Asperger Group-University of Chicago
Contact: Wiley Sherer at http://www.imanaspie.com/ and/or www.askanaspie.com
Chicago
Spanish Group-S.A.L.T.O
Contact: Matie Ovalle at 312-996-0903
Chicago
Spanish Group
Contact: Teresa Silva at 773-582-6226
Chicago
Able Kids, Inc.
Contact: Anita Johnson-Jackson at 773-287-4290 or via email at ablekids@aol.com
Assistance for parents with children on the autism spectrum.
Chicago
Adult Asperger’s Group
Contact: Beverly Mills at 312-993-3634 or via email at jojosllim@aol.com
Chicago
Rainbow of Friends
Contact: Ayana Geiger at 773-764-8740
Children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities meet to play and grow social skills. Moms’ get-togethers and meetings.
Chicago
S.A.L.T.O. Spanish Group
5333 S Rockwell, Chicago, Illinois
Contact: Luis Hernandez at 773-392-6657 or via email at luishernandez007@yahoo.com
Chicago
Teen and Adult Social Support Group
Contact: Beverly Mills at 312-993-3634 or via email at jojosllim@aol.com.
Chicago
Bowling Group and Adult Asperger’s Support
Contact: Beverly Mills at 312-993-3634 or via email at jojosllim@aol.com
Chicago
North Shore Suburban ASI Chapter
Contact: Laurawald@hotmail.com
Chicago Ridge
Special Directions
6413 W 102nd Place, Chicago Ridge, Illinois
Contact: Jackie Lorenz at 708-423-6244
Cicero
Autism Society of Illinois Spanish Speaking Support Group
Meeting location: POS Building, 5410 W. 34th Street, Cicero, Illinois
Meets the first Friday of each month.
Contact: Margarita Perez, ASI, 630-691-1270 or via email at info@autismillinois.org
Collinsville
ASA Southern Illinois Chapter Support Group
Contact Patricia Little at 618-530-7894
Crown Point
The MAAP
PO Box 524, Crown Point, Indiana 46307
This group sponsors an annual conference as well as a newsletter.
Decatur
Macon County Autism and Asperger’s Support Group
Macon Resources, 2121 Hubbard, Decatur, Illinois
Contact: Jan at 217-855-9890 or via email at jankriisa@insightbb.com or
Emily at 217-876-8888 or via email at erdobson@hotmail.com
Downers Grove
ASI Far West Suburban Support Group
Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss, Downers Grove, Illinois
Contact: Mary Kay Betz, ASI, at 630-691-1270 or via email at betzm@autismillinois.org
Downers Grove
Communication Clubhouse
2901 Finley Road Ste 102, Downers Grove, Illinois
Contact: Joan Burns at 630-495-6800 ext 277 or via email at clubhouseslp@aol.com
Parent support for birth-elementary. Autism Support Group meets Fourth Tuesday of the Month, 9:30 to 11:00 am here at Communication Clubhouse. The group is led by Joan Burns, Developmental Therapist and mother of a six year old with autism
Elk Grove
Pay it Forward for Autism
Elk Grove Public Library, 1001 Wellington, Elk Grove, Illinois.
Contact: Gemma Nissen at info@piffa.org or visit http://www.piffa.org/
Elmhurst
Center for Speech and Language Disorders
http://www.csld.org/
Contact at 630-530-8551 or info@csld.org
Frankfort
VOICE in the Lincoln Way Area
7302 W Lakeside Court, Frankfort, Illinois.
Contact: Brad Bradley at 815-469-4929 or via email at voice-advocacy@sbcglobal.net
Freeport
Northwest Illinois Autism Support Group
1255 W. Lincoln Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032
Contact: 815-232-6896
Galesburg
Asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness of Central Illinois
Contact: Diana Noble via email at d.noble@comcast.net
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn Sensory Integration Disorder Meetup Group
Contact: Stephanie - http://sid.meetup.com/4/
Meet with other moms that have children who suffer from sensory integration dysfunction/disorder. Gather for support, advice, sharing and companionship.
Gurnee
ASA Northeast Suburban Chapter Support Group
Meets at Warren Township SRA, 17801 W Washington St, Gurnee, Illinois
Contact: Eric Smith nechapasi@aol.com or visit website at www.autism-society.org/chapter145
Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm
Hazelcrest
ASA Chicago South Suburban Chapter Support Group
17120 Locust Drive, Hazelcrest, Illinois
Contact: Vernola Thomas at 708-335-2910 or via email at WVThomas@msn.com
Hoffman Estates
Northwest Suburban Illinois Chapter
Schaumburg Township Meeting Hall, 1 Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Contact: Kym Bills at 630-523-1390 or via email at kbills21@wowway.com
Meeting are the 1st Tuesday of each month (except December)
Jerseyville
Jersey County Support Group
285 Maple Street, Jerseyville, Illinois.
Contact: Carolyn Short at 618-498-2059 after 5 pm
Joliet
Joliet Support Group
Contact Diane Keay at 815-725-6677
Kankakee
Autism Society of Kankakee
318 Meadows Road N, Bourbonnais, Illinois
Contact: Julie Gindy at 815-933-3467 or via email at julezee@comcast.net
Lake County
Lake County Autism Support Group
More information: http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LCASG
Group that shares information that is important to families living with autism and related spectrum disorders. Topics include support, resources, services, interventions, treatments, and legislation.
Lake County
Lake County Talking Kids Meetup Group
Contact: Ruth at http://www.whatadifference.meetup.com/3/
This is a group for families with socially challenged kids, with or without a diagnosis. Purpose is to socialize, have fun, share ideas and share resources.
Lincolnwood
GRASP Chicago Chapter
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4707 W Pratt, Lincolnwood, Illinois
Contact: Steven Lawson at steve-law@comcast.net
Meetings for adults on the spectrum. Meet once a month on a Sunday.
Matoon
East Central Illinois Autism Group
Contact: 217-348-7858
Maywood
The Answer Inc.
Contact: Debra Vine at 708-296-5651 or via email at dvines0627@yahoo.com
Meetings are the 4th Monday of each month at the Maywood Park Library, Rooms 201/202, 121 S 5th Ave, Maywood at 6:30 pm.
McHenry
McHenry County Autism Group
Contact: Annette Gallagher at waylayd@aol.com
Bi-monthly support group meetings and outings for children.
Moline
Autism Network of Western Illinois, Inc.
Butterworth Center, 1105 8th Street, Moline, Illinois.
Contact: 309-797-4838
Morris
Morris Autism Meetup Group
Contact: Karen Ferrero at http://autism.meetup.com/242/
Meet other parents of children with autism to talk and share strategies, treatments, and more.
Mt Vernon
Mt Vernon Autism Support Group
St Mary’s Good Sam Hospital, Main Hospital Meeting Room, Mt Vernon, Illinois.
Contact: Rebecca & Nathan Harper at 618-244-3315 or via email at mtvernonsupport@hotmail.com
Naperville
Naperville Adult Asperger Group
Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane, Naperville, Illinois
Contact Jill Holman at 630-904-4110 or via email at jholman@wideopenwest.com
Meets the first Thursday of each month from 7-9 pm.
Naperville
Indians Fighting Autism
1853 Golf Drive, Naperville, Illinois.
Contact: Smita Bhatt, MD at 630-783-0727 or via email at info@indiansfightingautism.com
Naperville
GRASP Teen and Young Adult Support Group
One Energy Center, 40 Shuman Blvd, Suite 160, Naperville, Illinois
Contact: Brian King, LCSE at 630-778-3447 or via email at brianlcsw@comcast.net
Naperville
Community Connection
www.autismcommunityconnection.com
Naperville
Little Friends Center for Autism Parent Support Group
Contact: Stacey Anderson at 630-281-6914 or visit www.littlefriendsinc.org
Naperville
Sibtime for children with siblings with special needs
Naperville/Bolingbrook area
Contact: Stacey Stewart at 630-717-9858 ext 6 (Oakhill Wellness & Counseling Center)
Ages 7-13.
Naperville
Naperville Asperger Group
Contact: Jill Holman at 630-904-4110 or via email at jholman@wideopenwest.com
Naperville
Mothers of Children with Autism, Asperger’s, SPD, PDD-NOS
Contact: Shari at 630-946-6159 or via email at balliash@hotmail.com
This is a play group/support group where parents who have children with sensory issues, autism, asperger’s, and more find comfort, and new friendships.
Normal
Bloomington/McClean County Support Group
1816 Parkway Court, Normal, Illinois
Contact: Jacquie Mace at 309-661-9440 or via email at imscrtagnt@aol.com
Northbrook
Keshet Jewish Parents of Children with Special Needs
617 Landwehr Rd, Northbrook, Illinois
Contact: 847-205-1234
Oak Lawn
ASA Southwest Cook County Chapter Support Group
Meets at: Panera Bread, 10553 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn, Illinois
O’Fallon
Southern Illinois Chapter - Autism Society of
America
P.O. Box 822, O'Fallon, IL 62269
Contact: 618-530-7894
Peoria
Peoria Regional Chapter ASA
c/o Easter Seals
507 E Armstrong Ave, Peoria, Illinois
www.autism-society.org/chapter1009
Contact: 309-386-7755 ext 2241
Peoria
Peoria A.N.S.W.E.R.S.
5227 W Mahark Lane, Peoria, Illinois.
Contact: Lauri Hislope at 309-697-3300 or via email at lauri64@insightbb.com
Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8 pm
Plainfield
Plainfield Autism Awareness & Support System (PAASS)
Contact: Debi Lockwood at lock82998@comcast.net http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PAASS
Plainfield
Plainfield Parents of Aspies Support Group
Contact: Anita McCormick at plnfldaspiemom@aol.com
Meets at Plainfield Township Building, 22525 W Lockport Road, Plainfield. Please email for meeting days and times. Parent support group.
Quad Cities
Autism Society of the Quad Cities
Visit: www.autismqc.org
Rockford
Adult Group
Free meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the University of Illinois School of Medicine campus located at
1601 Parkview Avenue in
Rockford,
IL.
Rockford
Northwest Illinois Autism Parent Group
Contact: Lori Davie
at 815-965-6745 x173 or
via email at ldavie@il-rk.easterseals.com
Website- www.rockfordautism.com
Rockford
Rockford Asperger’s/PDD-NOS Group
Contact: Amy Eckstrom
at 815-399-5262
Rockford
Easter
Seals
Child
Developmental
Center
650 North Main Street, Rockford,
Illinois
Contact: 815-965-6745 or dcrkfd@aol.com
Rolling Meadows
Rolling Meadows Asperger’s Groups
Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Contact: Chris & Susie Smith at 847-255-5465 or via email at aspergersupport@comcast.net
Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7-9 pm.
Roselle
Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group and Teen Outings
Contact: Teri at 847-923-7173 or via email at aspieteenouting@aol.com
Schaumburg
Support Group
999 N. Plum Grove Rd, Ste C, Schaumburg, Illinois.
Contact: Dr. Mark Bakal at http://www.personalgrowthassociates.com/
Enrolled parents split the cost of the psychologist’s time for one hour support group.
Skokie
ASA North Suburban Chapter Support Group
Skokie Village Hall, LL, 5127 W Oakton, Skokie, Illinois
Contact: Richard Fink at 847-583-5080 or via email at finkrick@hotmail.com
South Suburbs
Contact: Amy at http://autism.meetup.com/347/
This group is a play group as well as a parent support group.
Springfield
ASA Central Illinois Chapter Support Group
The Autism Project, 928 S Spring, Springfield, Illinois
Contact: Ed Jankauski at 877-311-7703 or via email at ed.jankauski@asacic.org
Website: www.asacic.org
Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Springfield
Asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness of
Central Illinois
Contact: Diana Noble at d.noble@comcast.net
Website: http://www.aspergersyndromesupport.com/
Meetings are the 1st Thursday of each month excluding January, June, July, and August.
St Charles
TASH – Illinois
712 Westfield Drive, St Charles, Illinois
Contact: Mark Doyle at 630-584-0970
Stronghurst
Tri-State Autism Support Group
Contact: Jean Fisher at 309-924-1265 or via cell phone at 309-221-0123
Villa Park
PDD Parent Support Group
Contact: Sharon Pike at 630-282-2036
or via email at samj142@aol.com
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30 pm at the Easter Seals located at 830 S Addison Avenue in Villa Park. Please email or call if you plan on attending.
Watseka
Autism Group Iroquois Mental
Health
Center
Contact: Heidi Wilken at 815-432-5241 or via email at hwilken@imhc.net
This group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6-7 pm.
Wheaton
Metro Family Service DuPage
Contact: Ann Zeidman at 630-784-4830
Grandmothers’ group for those who have custody or guardianship.